A Merrillville man could get time served in a plea deal over his father’s death, court records show.
Michael Yakubec, 53, was charged shortly afterwards in connection with his 80-year-old father John’s death on Nov. 10, 2018.
He admitted to reckless homicide, a level 5 felony, according to court records filed Wednesday.
Yakubec said he struck his elderly dad during an “altercation” at his then-Hobart home, which led to the man’s death from blunt force trauma, according to court records.
If a judge accepts, the deal caps the sentence at three years, which lawyers would argue at sentencing. Under Indiana law, at least 75% of a sentence would be served and Yakubec would be credited for time already spent behind bars.
His sentencing hearing is set for Aug. 24.
Hobart police were called to the hospital where John Yakubec was being treated for head injuries caused by a fall in the shower, emergency room staffers were told. Michael Yakubec told police and a hospital chaplain he left home at 8:30 a.m. and returned about 2:30 p.m. and found his father unconscious in the shower.
Medical staff told police the head injuries were not consistent with a fall. The 80-year-old was also fully clothed and dry. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.
